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Running It Twice Meaning in Poker

In poker, there’s an option that players sometimes use when they want to manage risk, particularly in high-stakes cash games. This tactic doesn’t appear in every hand, but when it does, it brings a strategic twist that can influence the outcome of a crucial moment in the game.

Rather than leaving the result to a single deal, players have the option to split the outcome, making it less about pure luck and more about reducing the swings in fortune. This choice, known as “running it twice,” is gaining popularity among serious players. What exactly does it involve, and why do some choose to take this route? We’ll break it down in this article today. But before we dig deeper into how this works, we want to take a moment to introduce you to BLITZPOKER—a platform that brings the excitement of poker to life by offering thrilling games and competitive tables.

What Does “Running It Twice” Mean in Poker?

“Running it twice” is an agreement between players who are all-in to deal the remaining community cards twice instead of once. This means the dealer will complete two separate sets of the remaining cards from the point of the agreement (usually after the flop or turn). The pot is split into two equal halves, with each half awarded to the winner of each run-out. Here’s how the results could turn out:

Win Both Boards: One player wins both run-outs and takes the entire pot.
Split Pot: Each player wins one run-out, resulting in a split pot where each takes half.
Lose Both Boards: One player loses both run-outs and doesn’t receive any portion of the pot.

Conditions Required to Run It Twice

For “running it twice” to take place, three specific conditions must be met:

All Players Are All-In: Only when the involved players have committed all their chips can they consider running it twice.
Mutual Agreement: All players involved in the hand must agree to run it twice. If any player declines, the game proceeds with a single run-out.
House Rules Permit It: The poker room or online platform must allow this option. Not all venues offer the ability to run it twice, so it’s essential to verify before attempting to use this strategy.

Some poker rooms may even allow players to run it more than twice—such as three or four times—but these instances are exceptions rather than the norm.

Why Do Players Choose to Run It Twice?

The primary motivation behind running it twice is to reduce variance and protect against significant bankroll swings. High-stakes cash games can involve substantial amounts of money, and the outcome of a single hand can dramatically affect a player’s stack. By running it twice, players aim to:

Minimize Bad Beats: Mitigate the impact of unlikely but possible outcomes where a strong hand loses to a weaker one due to the remaining cards.
Reduce Variance: Smooth out the fluctuations in winnings and losses over time, leading to a more consistent playing experience.
Manage Risk: Protect a portion of their investment in the pot, increasing the likelihood of retaining at least half of it.

It’s important to note that while running it twice reduces short-term variance, it doesn’t affect the long-term expected value (EV) of the hands played.

An Example to Illustrate the Concept of Running It Twice in Poker

Imagine a scenario in a cash game where two players decide to go all-in on the flop:

Player A holds A K.
Player B holds Q Q.

Both players agree to run it twice. Here’s how the two run-outs might unfold:

First Run-Out:

Turn: 2
River: K
Result: Player A wins with a pair of Kings.

Second Run-Out:

Turn: 9
River: Q
Result: Player B wins with three Queens.

In this example, each player wins one run-out, so the pot is split equally between them.

Key Considerations For Running It Twice in Poker

Cash Games Only: Running it twice is typically allowed only in cash games and is not permitted in tournament play.
Number of Players: Some venues may restrict running it twice to situations involving only two players, while others may allow it with multiple players, provided all agree.
Venue Policies: Always check the specific rules of the poker room or online platform. Policies can vary widely between different casinos and websites.
Consensus Is Crucial: The option to run it twice hinges on unanimous agreement among all players involved in the hand.

Using “Run It Twice” as Part of Your Strategy

There’s often confusion about the best strategy for running it twice. Some myths claim that running it once, twice, or even more times is better based on your hand. The reality is, it doesn’t change your expected outcome. Whether you run it once or five times, the long-term result remains the same.

However, running the pot multiple times does have value. As a rule of thumb, the more times the pot is run, the more variance is reduced. This means multiple runs help your results align more closely with your expected value in the short term. Managing variance is one of the toughest parts of playing poker professionally, so many players choose to run it twice (or more) when they can.

Benefits and Drawbacks Of “Running It Twice”

Benefits:

Reduces Emotional Stress: Mitigating big losses can help players maintain a more even-keeled approach to the game.
Encourages Action: Knowing the risk is somewhat cushioned, players might be more willing to engage in aggressive plays.

Drawbacks:

Slows Down the Game: Dealing additional run-outs takes more time, which might be a concern in games where pace is valued.
Not Always Available: Limited by house rules and requires agreement, so it’s not a strategy players can rely on consistently.

Who Decides Whether to Run It Once or Twice?

In poker, the players involved in the hand usually decide to run it once or twice. After all bets are in and both players are all-in, they can agree to run the board more than once. However, this option depends on the house rules of the poker room or online platform where the game is being played. If both players agree, they can decide to run it twice, but if either player prefers to run it once, that’s what will happen.

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